Veteran’s Day offers a unique opportunity to honor the courageous men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In this blog post, we’ll delve into various Veteran’s Day lesson plans tailored for grades 3-5, ensuring you leave a lasting impression on your students.
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Understanding Veteran’s Day
Before we dive into our Veteran’s Day lesson plans, here are a few essential facts and distinctions about this important holiday.
Originating as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, Veteran’s Day was established to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1938, it became a federal holiday, and in 1954, its name was changed to Veteran’s Day to honor veterans from all wars.
It’s important for students to understand the difference between Memorial Day, which honors those who have lost their lives in military service, and Veteran’s Day, which celebrates all veterans, both living and deceased.
Veteran’s Day falls on November 11th each year because it marks the end of World War I. Highlight the historical significance of this date as part of your teaching.
1. Preparing Your Classroom with Veteran’s Day Lesson Plans
- Classroom Decoration
- Boost your classroom’s ambiance with patriotic decorations. Display flags and put out decor in red, white, and blue hues.
- Consider establishing a “Wall of Honor,” where students can share photos and stories of their family members who are veterans.
- Introduce Key Vocabulary
- Immerse your students in the spirit of the day by defining key terms like veteran, military, and service.
- Explore the various branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) and their unique roles.
2. Books and Literature: Veteran’s Day Lesson Plans
Literature offers a creative avenue for engaging students and is an effective resource to include in your Veteran’s Day lesson plans. You can put these books on display in your classroom library or read these books aloud to the class. Stimulate creative thinking through guided discussions that delve into the stories and their underlying themes.
Recommended Books– Click the title and author to visit the Amazon listing.
- “The Wall” by Eve Bunting This book is about the Vietnam War Memorial and can also be used to teach about Memorial Day. A little boy and his father travel to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC to search for his grandfather’s name on the wall.
- “America’s White Table” by Margot Theis Raven is a wonderful mentor text! This beautiful book shows the significance of the white table where no one will sit for those serving who have lost their lives, gone missing or were held captive.
- “The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans” by Barbara E. Walsh This book shares the story of Moina Belle Michael who began using the poppy flower to honor and remember soldiers.
- “Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” by Jeff Gottesfeld is a beautiful book in words and illustrations about the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
3. Guest Speakers or Interviews
This Veteran’s Day lesson plan aims to improve your classroom experience with real-world insights.
Invite Veterans to Speak
Collaborate with local veterans’ organizations and family members who are veterans. Encourage students to prepare appropriate questions to ask the veterans, sparking engaging conversations. If in-person visits are unfeasible, opt for virtual interviews conducted via video conferencing. Highlight the importance of respectful behavior during these sessions.
4. Creative Art and Craft Activities for Veteran’s Day
Unlock your students’ creativity with these Veteran’s Day lesson plan art projects:
Thank-You Cards for Veterans
Encourage students to express their appreciation through creatively designed thank-you cards for veterans. This is especially powerful if you collaborate with local veterans’ organizations and family members who are veterans as mentioned above.
Design American Flags
Guide students in creating their interpretations of the American flag through drawing or crafting. Engage them in discussions about the symbolism encapsulated in the flag’s colors and stars. This torn paper flag craft from Woo! JR is cute and easy.
DIY Poppy Flowers
Show students how to construct red poppy flowers, a symbolic tribute to veterans. This craft when paired with “The Poppy Lady” book linked above is a powerful activity. Credit to Housing a Forest for showing you how to create DIY poppy flowers.
5. Writing and Journaling
- Finish the story prompts
- Students will finish the story with these Veteran’s Day (and other November-themed) prompts. They allow students to think critically and creatively.
- Journaling
- Promote journaling as a means for students to reflect on their Veteran’s Day experiences and in-class activities that you have done to commemorate the day.
- Provide creative prompts related to the day and patriotism to stimulate thoughtful reflections.
By incorporating these Veteran’s Day lesson plans into your classroom, you can ensure that your students gain a deep appreciation for this important holiday while promoting creativity and respect.
Additional Resources
